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St. Louis Metro Newsfeed

It can be tempting to skip ahead to the exciting stages of a remodel, like choosing your paint colors and fixtures. To ensure your remodel is a success instead of a stress, however, take these steps first.

It can be tempting to skip ahead to the exciting stages of a remodel, like choosing your paint colors and fixtures. To ensure your remodel is a success instead of a stress, however, take these steps first.

Do you have a system for selecting your home service professionals for your projects? What standards have you set? And what process do you have to pick the best? Use this article to answer all the above.

Do you have a system for selecting your home service professionals for your projects? What standards have you set? And what process do you have to pick the best? Use this article to answer all the above.

In addition to the wear and tear that’s inevitable when kids play and tumble, everything from high chairs to Hot Wheels can cause even more damage. Follow this guide and you'll have everything you need to pick the best hardwood flooring for your family...

In addition to the wear and tear that’s inevitable when kids play and tumble, everything from high chairs to Hot Wheels can cause even more damage. Follow this guide and you'll have everything you need to pick the best hardwood flooring for your family...

There are pros and cons to just about everything in life, and the choices you make for your home are no exception. Take, for instance, carpet flooring. Here, we take a look at the top three benefits of carpet. You can decide for yourself what factors are most important to you.

There are pros and cons to just about everything in life, and the choices you make for your home are no exception. Take, for instance, carpet flooring. Here, we take a look at the top three benefits of carpet. You can decide for yourself what factors are most important to you.

How easy is it to keep a hardwood floor up? How does it hold up over time? That depends on the type of hardwood you elect, as well as the finish and other factors. With so many options, use this article as your guide to choose the best hardwood option for your ideal floor maintenance.

How easy is it to keep a hardwood floor up? How does it hold up over time? That depends on the type of hardwood you elect, as well as the finish and other factors. With so many options, use this article as your guide to choose the best hardwood option for your ideal floor maintenance.

There will always be that time when your own handyman skills aren’t enough. If you ignore this and power through a DIY project anyway, you could end up causing more damage and wasting more of your time and money later. Take a look at our top three handyman jobs you should always call a pro for.

There will always be that time when your own handyman skills aren’t enough. If you ignore this and power through a DIY project anyway, you could end up causing more damage and wasting more of your time and money later. Take a look at our top three handyman jobs you should always call a pro for.

The Outlet at Edison’s Patio Opens on Friday, May 29, 2020

All eyes are on the American economy. As it goes, so does the world economy. With states beginning to reopen, the question becomes: which sectors of the economy will drive its recovery? There seems to be a growing consensus that the housing market is positioned to be that driving force, the tailwind that is necessary. Some may question that assertion as they look back on the last recession in 2008 when housing was the anchor to the economy – holding it back from sailing forward. But even then, the overall economy did not begin to recover until the real estate market started to regain its strength. This time, the housing market was in great shape when the virus hit. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist of First American, recently explained: (Article Continues)

All eyes are on the American economy. As it goes, so does the world economy. With states beginning to reopen, the question becomes: which sectors of the economy will drive its recovery? There seems to be a growing consensus that the housing market is positioned to be that driving force, the tailwind that is necessary. Some may question that assertion as they look back on the last recession in 2008 when housing was the anchor to the economy – holding it back from sailing forward. But even then, the overall economy did not begin to recover until the real estate market started to regain its strength. This time, the housing market was in great shape when the virus hit. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist of First American, recently explained: (Article Continues)

At Valor, exceptional craftsmanship is one of our brand promises, but not just because we deliver it. We also raise the bar of industry standards as a whole. Use this article to learn what materials and considerations go into your hardwood repair.

At Valor, exceptional craftsmanship is one of our brand promises, but not just because we deliver it. We also raise the bar of industry standards as a whole. Use this article to learn what materials and considerations go into your hardwood repair.

Since remodels can get pricey, it’s important to know what kind of return on investment (or ROI) you can expect on projects, especially if you're getting ready to sell. For a quick synopsis of the 2020 Cost vs. Value report for remodels, keep reading.

Since remodels can get pricey, it’s important to know what kind of return on investment (or ROI) you can expect on projects, especially if you're getting ready to sell. For a quick synopsis of the 2020 Cost vs. Value report for remodels, keep reading.

Communication isn’t what you should hope for, it’s what you should expect. Valor Home Services believes in purposeful communication before, during and after your project, even a simple handyman call. This includes sending an “on my way” notification any time we’re headed to a client’s home. Read more...

Communication isn’t what you should hope for, it’s what you should expect. Valor Home Services believes in purposeful communication before, during and after your project, even a simple handyman call. This includes sending an “on my way” notification any time we’re headed to a client’s home. Read more...

Valor Home Services is currently recruiting for carpet installers. Why does this matter to you? Because, as we’ve reviewed candidates, we realized how much these same standards we have are something our clients should be aware of, too. Read what to look for in your next carpet install.

Valor Home Services is currently recruiting for carpet installers. Why does this matter to you? Because, as we’ve reviewed candidates, we realized how much these same standards we have are something our clients should be aware of, too. Read what to look for in your next carpet install.

Sooner or later, mold will show up on caulking in the bathroom. Getting rid of the gnarly caulking and getting new put in can completely refresh your space. In this article, we lay out how recaulking like a pro is done so you can choose to DIY or give us a call at Valor Home Services.

Sooner or later, mold will show up on caulking in the bathroom. Getting rid of the gnarly caulking and getting new put in can completely refresh your space. In this article, we lay out how recaulking like a pro is done so you can choose to DIY or give us a call at Valor Home Services.

It’s true. Refinishing an old wood floor can be a lot harder than refinishing a newer wood floor. By “old,” we often mean the kind of wood floors that are original to a house. And, we’ll be blunt: floors that are, say, 100 years old can be tricky to restore. But it can be done—here's how.

It’s true. Refinishing an old wood floor can be a lot harder than refinishing a newer wood floor. By “old,” we often mean the kind of wood floors that are original to a house. And, we’ll be blunt: floors that are, say, 100 years old can be tricky to restore. But it can be done—here's how.

Edison's Suspends Carhop and Curbside Service

[Edwardsville, , Saturday, May 09, 2020] Due to the recent announcement to further delay the opening of restaurants and bars combined with the extreme rise in the cost of commodities, Edison’s has decided to suspend our carhop and curbside service. We appreciate all of those who have supported us during these challenging times. We now are shifting our full focus onto our re-opening plan and remain eager to welcome you back to some exciting changes in a safe and clean environment.

Note: We are currently booking parties for July 1 and beyond in accordance with, and to meet, anticipated guidelines. Call 618-307-9020 or email party@edisonsfun.com to inquire. Please know we are running with a reduced staff but we are committed to get back to you as soon as possible.

Edison's Suspends Carhop and Curbside Service

[Edwardsville, , Saturday, May 09, 2020] Due to the recent announcement to further delay the opening of restaurants and bars combined with the extreme rise in the cost of commodities, Edison’s has decided to suspend our carhop and curbside service. We appreciate all of those who have supported us during these challenging times. We now are shifting our full focus onto our re-opening plan and remain eager to welcome you back to some exciting changes in a safe and clean environment.

Note: We are currently booking parties for July 1 and beyond in accordance with, and to meet, anticipated guidelines. Call 618-307-9020 or email party@edisonsfun.com to inquire. Please know we are running with a reduced staff but we are committed to get back to you as soon as possible.

This week’s article is a shout-out to couples moving in together. The process of combining two households definitely has steps, some of which have to come one before the next to avoid total chaos. Read this article to get a running start on combining two households...

This week’s article is a shout-out to couples moving in together. The process of combining two households definitely has steps, some of which have to come one before the next to avoid total chaos. Read this article to get a running start on combining two households...

This article is a resource to turn your business requirements into practical solutions. You need to find a flooring contractor for the totality of your properties. Done right, that partnership can save you both time and money. Just follow these three steps...

This article is a resource to turn your business requirements into practical solutions. You need to find a flooring contractor for the totality of your properties. Done right, that partnership can save you both time and money. Just follow these three steps...

Edison's Introduces FOODCATION 2020...Carhop service and new menu to bring more FUN to curbside pickup service

With businesses starting to slowly open back up again in some parts of the country, it’s important to understand how housing can have a major impact on the recovery of the U.S. economy. As we’ve mentioned before, buying a home is a driving financial force in this process. Today, many analysts believe one of the first things we’ll be able to safely bring back is the home building sector, creating more jobs and impacting local neighborhoods in a big way. According to Robert Dietz in The Eye on Housing:

With businesses starting to slowly open back up again in some parts of the country, it’s important to understand how housing can have a major impact on the recovery of the U.S. economy. As we’ve mentioned before, buying a home is a driving financial force in this process. Today, many analysts believe one of the first things we’ll be able to safely bring back is the home building sector, creating more jobs and impacting local neighborhoods in a big way. According to Robert Dietz in The Eye on Housing:

Moving comes with plenty of to-dos in the home you're selling as well as the one you move into. What do you do if your hardwood floors aren’t currently in the best shape? How much will refinishing or replacing them really improve the value of your home? Read this article to find out.

Moving comes with plenty of to-dos in the home you're selling as well as the one you move into. What do you do if your hardwood floors aren’t currently in the best shape? How much will refinishing or replacing them really improve the value of your home? Read this article to find out.

National Moving Month, without a doubt, has a lot of home projects that come with it. To take the edge off figuring out what to do when, we wanted to compile a list of some of the best remodels to do that are showing the biggest ROI in home sales today. By investing as intelligently as you can in your home, you protect what is (for most of us) the biggest investment of your life.

National Moving Month, without a doubt, has a lot of home projects that come with it. To take the edge off figuring out what to do when, we wanted to compile a list of some of the best remodels to do that are showing the biggest ROI in home sales today. By investing as intelligently as you can in your home, you protect what is (for most of us) the biggest investment of your life.

You just want the carpet color you can be excited about today that will also look good ten years from now. Are classic colors too boring? Are patterns a “no go” right now or can you include some trendy options there, too? Read this article for three simple steps to choose your carpet color.

You just want the carpet color you can be excited about today that will also look good ten years from now. Are classic colors too boring? Are patterns a “no go” right now or can you include some trendy options there, too? Read this article for three simple steps to choose your carpet color.

Your immune system is your main line of defense against illnesses and infections. Unfortunately, many peoples’ systems don’t function as well as they should. While there are several reported ways of improving your immunity, it is often difficult to separate fact from fiction. Here are a few simple do’s and don’ts to improve your immunity and help you body fight off sickness.

Your immune system is your main line of defense against illnesses and infections. Unfortunately, many peoples’ systems don’t function as well as they should. While there are several reported ways of improving your immunity, it is often difficult to separate fact from fiction. Here are a few simple do’s and don’ts to improve your immunity and help you body fight off sickness.

When it comes to your flooring, not all hardwood stains are created equal. We wrote about many common types of stain and discoloration on our website last week, and now we're back with Part 2 of common hardwood flooring stains.

When it comes to your flooring, not all hardwood stains are created equal. We wrote about many common types of stain and discoloration on our website last week, and now we're back with Part 2 of common hardwood flooring stains.

Now more than ever, carpeting is made on complicated machinery. But, the more parts make up the machines used, the more things can go wrong. Read to learn about carpet shift marks and what to do if your carpet hast them.

Now more than ever, carpeting is made on complicated machinery. But, the more parts make up the machines used, the more things can go wrong. Read to learn about carpet shift marks and what to do if your carpet hast them.

There are two crises in this country right now: a health crisis that has forced everyone into their homes and a financial crisis caused by our inability to move around as we normally would. Over 20 million people in the U.S. became instantly unemployed when it was determined that the only way to defeat this horrific virus was to shut down businesses across the nation. One second a person was gainfully employed, a switch was turned, and then the room went dark on their livelihood.

The financial pain so many families are facing right now is deep.

How deep will the pain cut?

Major institutions are forecasting unemployment rates last seen during the Great Depression. Here are a few projections:

There are two crises in this country right now: a health crisis that has forced everyone into their homes and a financial crisis caused by our inability to move around as we normally would. Over 20 million people in the U.S. became instantly unemployed when it was determined that the only way to defeat this horrific virus was to shut down businesses across the nation. One second a person was gainfully employed, a switch was turned, and then the room went dark on their livelihood.

The financial pain so many families are facing right now is deep.

How deep will the pain cut?

Major institutions are forecasting unemployment rates last seen during the Great Depression. Here are a few projections:

The uncertainty the world faces today due to the COVID-19 pandemic is causing so many things to change. The way we interact, the way we do business, even the way we buy and sell real estate is changing. This is a moment in time that’s even sparking some buyers to search for a better deal on a home. Sellers, however, aren’t offering a discount these days; they’re holding steady on price.

According to the most recent NAR Flash Survey (a survey of real estate agents from across the country), agents were asked the following two questions:

The uncertainty the world faces today due to the COVID-19 pandemic is causing so many things to change. The way we interact, the way we do business, even the way we buy and sell real estate is changing. This is a moment in time that’s even sparking some buyers to search for a better deal on a home. Sellers, however, aren’t offering a discount these days; they’re holding steady on price.

According to the most recent NAR Flash Survey (a survey of real estate agents from across the country), agents were asked the following two questions:

With all of the unanswered questions caused by COVID-19 and the economic slowdown we’re experiencing across the country today, many are asking if the housing market is in trouble. For those who remember 2008, it’s logical to ask that question.

Many of us experienced financial hardships, lost homes, and were out of work during the Great Recession – the recession that started with a housing and mortgage crisis. Today, we face a very different challenge: an external health crisis that has caused a pause in much of the economy and a major shutdown of many parts of the country.

Let’s look at five things we know about today’s housing market that were different in 2008:

With all of the unanswered questions caused by COVID-19 and the economic slowdown we’re experiencing across the country today, many are asking if the housing market is in trouble. For those who remember 2008, it’s logical to ask that question.

Many of us experienced financial hardships, lost homes, and were out of work during the Great Recession – the recession that started with a housing and mortgage crisis. Today, we face a very different challenge: an external health crisis that has caused a pause in much of the economy and a major shutdown of many parts of the country.

Let’s look at five things we know about today’s housing market that were different in 2008:

Today’s everyday reality is different than it looked just a few weeks ago. We’re learning how to do a lot of things in new ways, from how we work remotely to how we engage with our friends and neighbors. Almost everything right now is shifting to a virtual format. One of the big changes we’re adapting to is the revisions to the common real estate transaction, which all vary by state and locality. Technology, however, is making it possible for many of us to continue on the quest for homeownership, an essential need for all.

Here’s a look at some of the elements of the process that are changing (at least in the near-term), due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing, and what you may need to know about each one if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home sooner rather than later:

Today’s everyday reality is different than it looked just a few weeks ago. We’re learning how to do a lot of things in new ways, from how we work remotely to how we engage with our friends and neighbors. Almost everything right now is shifting to a virtual format. One of the big changes we’re adapting to is the revisions to the common real estate transaction, which all vary by state and locality. Technology, however, is making it possible for many of us to continue on the quest for homeownership, an essential need for all.

Here’s a look at some of the elements of the process that are changing (at least in the near-term), due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing, and what you may need to know about each one if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home sooner rather than later:

As we all work together to respond to the current COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to reach out to let you know how important you are to Fairview Heights.

I know how difficult this has been on your business as you have worked to adapt to this situation. I want you to know that the City is working everyday in every way to ensure we do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of all, including our businesses.

To that end, I wanted to make sure you were taking advantage of the Cares Act that was passed by Congress and signed by the President. I also want to encourage you to take advantage of the financial assistance being offered and apply now.

As we all work together to respond to the current COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to reach out to let you know how important you are to Fairview Heights.

I know how difficult this has been on your business as you have worked to adapt to this situation. I want you to know that the City is working everyday in every way to ensure we do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of all, including our businesses.

To that end, I wanted to make sure you were taking advantage of the Cares Act that was passed by Congress and signed by the President. I also want to encourage you to take advantage of the financial assistance being offered and apply now.

Job Posting: 50039

We're growing and looking for the best! Do you want a steady position with a growing company? Do you want top industry pay PLUS benefits? Do you have general construction, landscape, or hardscape experience? We'd love to hear from you!

Job Posting: 50039

We're growing and looking for the best! Do you want a steady position with a growing company? Do you want top industry pay PLUS benefits? Do you have general construction, landscape, or hardscape experience? We'd love to hear from you!

We’re in a changing real estate market, and life, in general, is changing too – from how we grocery shop and meal prep to the ways we can interact with our friends and neighbors. Even practices for engaging with agents, lenders, and all of the players involved in a real estate transaction are changing to a virtual format. What isn’t changing, however, is one key thing that can drive the local economy: buying a home.

We’re all being impacted in different ways by the effects of the coronavirus. If you’re in a position to buy a home today, know that you’re a major economic force in your neighborhood. And while we all wait patiently for the current pandemic to pass, there are a lot of things you can do in the meantime to keep your home search on track.

Every year the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares a report that notes the full economic impact of home sales. This report summarizes:

We’re in a changing real estate market, and life, in general, is changing too – from how we grocery shop and meal prep to the ways we can interact with our friends and neighbors. Even practices for engaging with agents, lenders, and all of the players involved in a real estate transaction are changing to a virtual format. What isn’t changing, however, is one key thing that can drive the local economy: buying a home.

We’re all being impacted in different ways by the effects of the coronavirus. If you’re in a position to buy a home today, know that you’re a major economic force in your neighborhood. And while we all wait patiently for the current pandemic to pass, there are a lot of things you can do in the meantime to keep your home search on track.

Every year the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares a report that notes the full economic impact of home sales. This report summarizes:

With interest rates hitting all-time lows over the past few weeks, many homeowners are opting to refinance. To decide if refinancing your home is the best option for you and your family, start by asking yourself these questions:

Why do you want to refinance?

There are many reasons to refinance, but here are three of the most common ones:

With interest rates hitting all-time lows over the past few weeks, many homeowners are opting to refinance. To decide if refinancing your home is the best option for you and your family, start by asking yourself these questions:

Why do you want to refinance?

There are many reasons to refinance, but here are three of the most common ones:

With the housing crash of 2006-2008 still visible in the rear-view mirror, many are concerned the current correction in the stock market is a sign that home values are also about to tumble. What's taking place today, however, is nothing like what happened the last time. The S&P 500 did fall by over fifty percent from October 2007 to March 2009, and home values did depreciate in 2007, 2008, and 2009 – but that was because that economic slowdown was mainly caused by a collapsing real estate market and a meltdown in the mortgage market.

With the housing crash of 2006-2008 still visible in the rear-view mirror, many are concerned the current correction in the stock market is a sign that home values are also about to tumble. What's taking place today, however, is nothing like what happened the last time. The S&P 500 did fall by over fifty percent from October 2007 to March 2009, and home values did depreciate in 2007, 2008, and 2009 – but that was because that economic slowdown was mainly caused by a collapsing real estate market and a meltdown in the mortgage market.

[Caseyville, IL, Wednesday, March 18, 2020] My name is Steven Johns & my wife and I own Envisioning Green. We wanted to personally share an update on our efforts to help keep our operation running and safe during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to serve our clients. As I'm sure you know, Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been a concern for our communities. Envisioning Green, Lawn Dog, & Bulldog Pest Control teams are closely monitoring the latest reports for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and we are taking a number of precautionary measures for the health and safety of our team members and our clients.

[Caseyville, IL, Wednesday, March 18, 2020] My name is Steven Johns & my wife and I own Envisioning Green. We wanted to personally share an update on our efforts to help keep our operation running and safe during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to serve our clients. As I'm sure you know, Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been a concern for our communities. Envisioning Green, Lawn Dog, & Bulldog Pest Control teams are closely monitoring the latest reports for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and we are taking a number of precautionary measures for the health and safety of our team members and our clients.

Buying your first home can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, there’s a lot of great information out there to help you feel more confident as you learn about the process. For those in younger generations who aspire to buy, here are three things to consider sooner rather than later in your journey:

Buying your first home can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, there’s a lot of great information out there to help you feel more confident as you learn about the process. For those in younger generations who aspire to buy, here are three things to consider sooner rather than later in your journey:

Rising home prices have been in the news a lot lately, and much of the focus is on whether they're accelerating too quickly and how sustainable the growth in prices really is. One of the often-overlooked benefits of rising prices, however, is the impact they have on a homeowner's equity position.

Rising home prices have been in the news a lot lately, and much of the focus is on whether they're accelerating too quickly and how sustainable the growth in prices really is. One of the often-overlooked benefits of rising prices, however, is the impact they have on a homeowner's equity position.

Wildfire Internet Celebrates 25 Year Anniversary

[Granite City, IL, Sunday, March 1, 2020] Wildfire Internet announced its 25th Year Annivesary today. The company started in 1995 by George Sykes, Chris Naccarato, Joel Kozkikowski and Matt Lisenfeld originally launched as an Internet software development company focusing on website development and backend website applications.

Wildfire Internet Celebrates 25 Year Anniversary

[Granite City, IL, Sunday, March 1, 2020] Wildfire Internet announced its 25th Year Annivesary today. The company started in 1995 by George Sykes, Chris Naccarato, Joel Kozkikowski and Matt Lisenfeld originally launched as an Internet software development company focusing on website development and backend website applications.